As the latest addition to Prince Edward Island's ever-growing aerospace sector, the Helipro Group is preparing to open up shop in Slemon Park by September. Helipro is currently renovating production space and anticipates having in excess of 100 employees in the future.
A world leader in the helicopter repair business, Helipro announced in December 2000 that it had selected Prince Edward Island as home to its newest overhaul and repair facility. Since that time, Islanders have been hired and spent a year in training at the company's Richmond, British Columbia facility. Now this staff has returned to PEI along with five other staff members who have relocated from British Columbia.
"The arrival of Helipro marks another milestone for the Island's aerospace industry," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The jobs this company will be creating require a very specific skill set. Helipro has faith in the Island's workforce and I too believe we're prepared to meet the challenges of these exciting career opportunities."
Helipro officials are currently working with Holland College's Aerospace and Industrial Technology Centre to design a specialized training program to meet the company's future staffing requirements.
"Access to Holland College as a training partner is an incredible asset for aerospace companies," said Mark Dobbin, Chairman and CEO of Helipro's parent company, Vector Aerospace. "We've had nothing but positive experiences with our current operation here in PEI, and I have every reason to believe that Helipro will experience similar success from its Slemon Park location. Our plans for Helipro in PEI are exciting. As quickly as we can train or attract skilled workers, we will grow the business."
Vector Aerospace is also the parent company of Atlantic Turbines International in Slemon Park which celebrated the opening of its third engine line recently.
Anyone interested in training opportunities for the aerospace industry can contact Holland College at 888-6730.